Diabetes Annual Review
If you have a diagnosis of type 1 or type 2 diabetes, you are entitled to a check-up every year. This review may take place at your GP surgery or during a hospital outpatient appointment. The check-up is important to monitor your overall health and reduce the risk of diabetes related complications. This is often called the diabetes annual review. This will usually involve two separate appointments. One appointment to complete the following:
- Measure your height and weight
- Ask whether you smoke
- Blood tests - to check your HbA1c (sugar level), kidneys and cholesterol
- Urine sample - to check if your diabetes is affecting your kidneys
- Foot check - to check for nerve damage (neuropathy), poor circulation (ischaemia), or skin problems
- Blood pressure
As a rule, you will be offered a follow-up appointment with your practice nurse to discuss the results of these tests and to change your diabetes medication if necessary. Your practice nurse will also advise you if you need medication to lower your blood pressure and cholesterol, medication to help protect your kidneys from the effects of diabetes, discuss contraception and pregnancy planning if appropriate, and refer you to a podiatrist (foot specialist) if you have problems with your feet.
For more information about the podiatry service within CTM, click here.
Your practice nurse can also refer you to a local diabetes education program, the national exercise referral scheme, and to nutrition and dietetics for additional support with your diet.
Diabetic eye screening
As Diabetes can also affect your vision you are entitled to attend diabetic eye screening appointments. These appointments are different from eye tests at your local opticians. You should be invited for regular diabetic eye screening from Diabetic Eye Screening Wales (DESW) every 1-2 years. If you haven’t been invited to attend diabetic eye screening, then ask your practice nurse to refer you to DESW.
For more information about diabetes eye screening, visit the Public Health Wales website or watch a short video about what to expect.
0:08 This short video will show you what happens and what to expect when we invite you for NHS diabetic eye [music] screening in Wales. Diabetic eye
0:18 screening is for you if you're aged 12 and over with type [music] 1 or type 2 diabetes. You may be wondering why go if
0:25 you haven't noticed any changes [music] in your eyesight.
0:29 Diabetic eye screening looks for diabetic retinopathy. If this is left untreated, it can cause damage to the back of your eyes and cause sight loss.
0:38 You [music] may have diabetic retinopathy and not notice any changes to your eyesight. This can be treated if it is found early.
0:47 Diabetic eye screening saves sight.
0:49 Taking part in the screening is your choice. [music] It is one of the steps you can take to manage your diabetes.
0:57 Your letter will tell you where and when to go. [music] It will also tell you about the test to help you understand diabetic eye screening.
1:06 If you need information in another format, we can provide British sign language, easy read, audio, braille, and large print.
1:16 If Welsh or English is not your first language, interpreter services are available or a family member can interpret for you. If you need to change
1:25 your [music] appointment, just let us know. We'll help you find a time that works for you.
1:35 There are some things you need to do before [music] you come for your appointment. Read the information we send you so you know where you're going.
1:43 Plan your journey in advance and make travel arrangements. You may have drops in your eyes and will not be able to drive after the test until your eyesight returns to normal.
1:54 If you are using [music] public transport, you might want someone to help you get home.
2:00 Consider bringing a snack with you as not all screening locations offer food and drink.
2:09 If you wear glasses, bring them with you. If you wear contact lenses, wear your glasses instead.
2:18 Bring sunglasses with you [music] to wear as your eyes may be sensitive to light after your screening.
2:26 Allow up to an hour for your appointment.
2:35 Your screening appointment will be at a hospital, health center, doctor's [music] surgery, or in the community closest to your home.
2:44 When you [music] arrive for your appointment, we will check your personal details and explain what happens.
2:52 If you need support, our staff are here to help you.
2:57 At the start of your appointment, we will first check your vision by reading a test chart.
3:03 If you wear glasses, we will ask you to wear them.
3:07 We may put drops in your eyes [music] to help us see the back of your eyes more clearly.
3:14 The drops will take a short while to work and may [music] feel a little uncomfortable. This will pass.
3:23 You will then be asked to return to the waiting area [music] to give the drops enough time to take effect.
3:30 The drops will make your sight blurred.
3:34 This means the [music] drops are working.
3:38 After a short time, we may carry out one final [music] check to make sure your eyes are ready to be photographed.
3:47 You will sit in front of a camera. It will not touch your eyes. The screener will take photos of the back of each eye. There will be a quick bright flash.
3:58 It only [music] takes a few minutes and it will not hurt.
4:03 You should get your results by post within 8 weeks. We will send a copy of [music] your results to your doctor's surgery.
4:18 Your results will tell you if you have diabetic retinopathy or not. Most people won't have this and will only be invited
4:26 for another diabetic eye screening when they are next due, usually every 1 [music] to two years. If you have
4:33 diabetes and become pregnant, we will screen you more often during your pregnancy. If you have diabetic retinopathy, your letter will tell you if you need further tests or treatment.
4:44 You will be sent an appointment if you need one. Contact us if you want to talk about your result. You may also want to
4:52 talk to organizations like Diabetes UK or the RNIB. They are there to support you.
5:00 If you notice [music] any changes to your eyesight between your diabetic eye screening appointments, [music] don't wait for a screening. Talk to your
5:08 optometrist, optician, or doctor as soon as possible.
5:13 Most people invited for diabetic eye screening take part. It is something you can do to look after your eyesight.
5:20 Remember, go to your diabetic eye screening [music] and diabetes appointments when invited. Have regular eye test with your
5:28 optitian when you are due. Diabetic eye screening saves sight.